HR Industry News

The return of the long hours culture

— 6 June 2008 —

The “long hours culture” is back, according to the TUC, and an extra 180,000 people in the UK are suffering.

The analysis found that the number of people working long hours has increased faster than the number had declined between 1998 and 2006. In 2006, the total number of people working long hours had fallen from 3.8 million to 3.1 million.

In the first quarter of 2008, credit crunch-hit Britons have started working longer – an increase of 0.5%, to 3.3 million.

That increase is particularly sharp in the East of England and London, both up 2%. Indeed, 85% of those working long hours are male – resulting in what the TUC claims to be a barrier in the way of attempts to close the pay gap. Women with childcare responsibilities are less likely to work the long hours put in by men in senior positions.

The TUC is calling for a stronger Working Time Directive in order to protect employees from the long hours culture. The current Directive was implemented in 1998, and is due to be discussed on 9/10 June.

When the Government meets with other European Ministers next week, it should side with Britain's 25 million workers and take action to end excessive working time, rather than side with the business lobbyists who act as apologists for Britain's long hours culture.Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary

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